Newry, Co Down – January 30, 2025 – The Activist Lawyer Podcast, which launched towards the end of 2020, has officially reached its 100th episode, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide a platform for legal professionals dedicated to human rights and activism.
Created by solicitors Jonathan McKeown and Sarah Henry, the podcast has become a vital resource for both legal professionals and the public, featuring interviews with barristers, solicitors, legal experts, advocates, and academics from around the world. The show highlights issues such as criminal justice, environmental law, discrimination, and refugee law, and provides listeners with a unique insight into the lives and work of those who challenge injustices through the law.
The name Activist Lawyer was inspired by attacks on lawyers, particularly those representing migrant communities, by the UK government. Jonathan McKeown, founder of the podcast, reflects on the importance of supporting lawyers who dedicate their careers to helping vulnerable individuals. He states, "The fact that government ministers and the media would attack lawyers and undermine the rule of law is as startling as it is dangerous. We are proud to reclaim the phrase ‘Activist Lawyer’ and offer the legal community, and aspiring lawyers, a chance to see what a day in the life of a lawyer working on rights-based issues is like."
Podcast host Sarah Henry, has guided the show to its 100th episode, highlighting the invaluable contributions of the diverse range of guests featured. "It’s difficult to select a ‘favourite episode,’” she shares, "but I’ve noticed that episodes featuring solicitors from Northern Ireland working on high-profile legacy cases are incredibly popular and attract a global audience." A notable example of this is an episode with Belfast solicitor Michael Madden, who discussed his work on historical cases and his role in representing victims of the Post Office Scandal.
Sarah also emphasises how the podcast continues to explore pressing global issues. “In the past year, we were delighted to include experts on climate justice, environmental law, and the rights of non-binary and trans individuals. We’ve also had the privilege of speaking with legal experts working on international human rights, including those addressing the War in Ukraine, the Gaza Genocide, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
Through its episodes, Activist Lawyer has tackled sensitive and complex topics, offering a platform for Palestinian lawyers to share their insights on the ongoing conflict, as well as offering expert perspectives on the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court's role in international justice. Sarah adds, “We remain in touch with legal contributors like Tamara Tamimi, Dr. Munir Nuseibah, and Khaled Quzmar, whose work fighting for justice in Palestine has been an inspiration to us all.”
The podcast, which also includes a blog and book club, continues to serve as an educational and inspirational resource for anyone interested in human rights, activism, and the law. Sarah concludes, “We are so grateful to our guests for sharing their invaluable knowledge, and we look forward to continuing to bring these important stories to the forefront in future episodes."
For more information on the Activist Lawyer Podcast or to listen to the 100th episode, visit https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JWhD9qXQyIsSvEEm5fSdH?si=d240e8f3a2b14e62
About the Activist Lawyer Podcast
The Activist Lawyer Podcast is an online platform dedicated to showcasing lawyers who work on human rights, social justice, and activism. Featuring in-depth interviews with legal professionals from various disciplines, the podcast explores the intersection of law and activism in addressing global issues, including criminal justice reform, environmental law, and international human rights.
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